Dear Member,
As we enter the final months of 2024, I want to take a moment to thank all of you for your resilience, commitment and dedication to our SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local community. I appreciate your participation in member engagement activities, Conservatory workshops, and special events. While our industry may not be as dynamic as we would hope, our local community remains committed to fostering connections and enhancing professional education.
With that in mind, I would like to highlight some important upcoming opportunities and updates for SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local members.
SAG-AFTRA will be holding national caucuses and local meetings focused on wages and working conditions (W&W) in preparation for negotiations regarding the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract and the SAG-AFTRA Audio Commercials Contract, both of which will expire on March 31, 2025.
Proposals for these negotiations are developed through the involvement of members like you. It is crucial that your voice is heard, so please consider participating in this important process.
Atlanta Local W&W Meetings
- November 14: Group Locals Commercials W&W Meeting with Atlanta, Washington-Mid Atlantic, New England, Philadelphia via ZOOM.
- November 21: Atlanta Local Commercials W&W Meeting via ZOOM.
- November 22: Atlanta Local Commercials W&W Meeting In-Person.
Use this link for meeting specifics and to RSVP online.
Click this link for a great refresher video on the provisions of the current Commercials Contract.
Atlanta Voiceover Summit
The SAG-AFTRA Atlanta VO Committee has negotiated a 20% discount on all admission passes for SAG-AFTRA Atlanta members to the 2025 conference. Use the promo code* COMP25-SAGAFTRA20 upon checkout here.
* This promo code cannot be shared with non-union members and all uses of the code will be verified against SAG-AFTRA Atlanta records to ensure members are active and in good standing.
Attending SAG-AFTRA members will also have access to the first-ever SAG-AFTRA Hospitality Suite at the conference! It’s a benefit exclusive to union members, offering free refreshments and opportunities to network with other union professionals.
Elimination of the Local Travel Waiver
As of Jan. 1, 2025, the 500-mile travel waiver will no longer be available to TV/Theatrical signatory producers. The waiver was restricted to day performers (schedule A) on an overnight location who were not otherwise working on a travel day and were located within 500 miles of the production.
The Atlanta Local Board met over the summer and voted to sunset the waiver. It is believed the travel provisions negotiated in the collective bargaining agreement should be applied equally to all members, regardless of their location.
Before eliminating the travel waiver, producers were provided relief from the payment of travel time (salary) on days when performers traveled and no other work was performed. All other travel protections for performers working on an overnight location followed the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
2017 Memorandum of Agreement, Payment for Travel Time
"(1) Travel at the Commencement of and End of Performer's Engagement When Performer is Not Otherwise Paid for the Day
"Whenever a performer (other than a performer engaged under a series or term contract) is required by the producer at the commencement of or end of the performer's engagement to travel to or from an overnight location on a day (other than on the seventh day of the performer's workweek or a holiday in the case of travel from an overnight location) and the performer is not otherwise paid for the day, the time spent so traveling shall not be work time; instead, producer shall pay the performer a travel allowance of $500 per day (no fringe) for the day of travel and thereafter in the case of travel at the commencement of the performer's engagement, an idle day allowance of $100 per day (no fringe), for up to two (2) days after the travel day, at which time his or her salary shall commence. No separate per diem shall be required on a day on which a travel or idle day allowance is paid. A performer who travels earlier than required by the producer shall not be entitled to any travel or idle day allowance. No travel or idle day allowance is owed when a performer travels to or from an audition, interview or test.”
As a reminder, there is no designation of “modified regional hire” under our agreements.
I would like to offer a special thanks to the Atlanta Local stunt community and the Atlanta Local Board for their leadership on this meaningful improvement for our local members.
Atlanta Fall Get-Together at Wild Heaven West End Brewery & Gardens
Join us in Atlanta on Nov. 12 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. for a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow members over delicious food and drinks! This gathering is not just about socializing; it’s a chance to discuss important issues, share valuable insights, and discover how we can support each other in our local community. Your elected leadership will be present, eager to engage with you. We can’t wait to see you there!
Please remember that each member is responsible for their own food and drinks.
There will be free parking available, and look for SAG-AFTRA signs to guide you. Don’t miss out on this chance to unite and empower one another!
Registration required.
Atlanta Local Membership Meeting
Join us for our next membership meeting on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. This is your chance to hear key updates and hear from both local and national leadership. Your voice matters as we work together to strengthen our industry. Mark your calendars and be part of this engaging evening — we look forward to seeing you there! Watch your emails for additional details and the registration link.
Save the Date: Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, at IATSE 479
- 5 p.m.–6 p.m. If you joined SAG-AFTRA or transferred your membership to the Atlanta Local after January 2020, come and meet your local leadership and staff and learn more about being an Atlanta Local member.
- 6 p.m.–7 p.m. All members are invited to attend a holiday meet-and-greet. Light refreshments will be available.
- 7 p.m.–9 p.m. Atlanta Local membership meeting.
Official SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local Facebook Page
We invite you to join the official SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local Facebook page, your go-to place for important updates, SAG-AFTRA news and upcoming local events that directly impact you. Don’t miss out on the chance to stay informed and engaged.
Our strength comes from working together. By standing united, we can continue to achieve positive changes for all members, both locally and throughout SAG-AFTRA. Stay engaged, attend SAG-AFTRA meetings, and reach out to your Atlanta Local elected leadership if you have any concerns. Together, we can make a difference.
If you have questions about any of the above information or need to contact our local staff for any reason, please send an email to atlanta@sagaftra.org.
On-set emergency number: (844) SAFER SET
It’s your union!
In solidarity,
Eric Goins
SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local President
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